St. Irais (Rhais) of Alexandria the Apostle at Heraclea

Commemorated on September 23

The Holy Martyr Irais lived in Alexandria. Once, she went to a well to draw water and saw a ship at the shore. On board were a large number of men, women, clergy and monks, who had been placed in chains for their confession of the Christian Faith.

Casting aside her water pitcher, the saint voluntarily joined the prisoners for Christ, and chains were placed on her as well. When the ship arrived in the Egyptian city of Antipolis, St. Irais was the first to undergo fierce torments and was beheaded with the sword. After her, the other martyrs sealed their confession of faith in Christ with their blood.